5 Best Mattress Toppers for Back Pain

Our Top 5 Mattress Toppers for Lower Back Pain for 2020

We are ready to review the five best mattresses toppers that are best suited for people who suffer from back pain.

Here is a quick overview of our favorite mattresses toppers to relieve back pain.

Sleep Better Extra Firm gets our choice for the best mattress topper for lower back pain due to it’s great firmness with great support.

In a Hurry? The Best Topper for Lower Back Pain in 2020 Is…

4.8/5
  • 3-inches thick, extra firm conventional foam
  • 100 percent urethane foam; spot clean with damp cloth and mild soap
  • Adds an extra level of comfort and support to a mattress or sofa bed

Having a comfortable and firm mattress is key to relieving back pain. When I suffered from back pain, I did a variety of things to find relief. From getting massages to taking physio and eating robaxacet like tic-tacs.

All of these things helped, but it wasn’t until I realized that having the right mattress was the key to finding long term relief.

But as you know, buying a new mattress can be expensive. So getting a mattress topper can be almost as good as buying a new one.

We have taken it upon ourselves to research the best mattress toppers for back relief in 2020, so you can make an informed buying decision. Check out our in-depth reviews are below:

4.8/5
  • 3-inches thick, extra firm conventional foam
  • 100 percent urethane foam; spot clean with damp cloth and mild soap
  • Adds an extra level of comfort and support to a mattress or sofa bed

Extra Foam toppers such as this model of Sleep Better topper are perfectly suited to use on any surface. This mattress topper is available in both extra firm or firm, depending on what you need for your mattress. This topper is made out of standard foam instead of memory foam.

The foam mattress topper overall is a balanced combination of support, comfort, and durability, making it perfect for individuals suffering from back pain. The topper is soft without being to soft. It supports your spine and also conforms well to your body.

No matter how much you use this topper you won’t see any indentations in it. It has been designed so that it is soft but not to the point that you sink in. The product is also hypoallergenic, which is a nice added bonus.

Since the mattress topper is made out of polyurethane foam instead of memory foam, it has a strong, distinct odor. However, the smell will only last a few days. If you are suffering from back pain, the smell won’t be a deal-breaker since the topper is definitely worth it. The topper is compact and comes rolled up, so it will need to be opened and unfolded. That can be a bit challenging but is definitely worth it after it has helped to relieve your back pain.

Features

  • Firmness level: Extra firm
  • Thickness: 3 inches
  • Weight: 23.5 pounds
  • Size 80 x 3 x 60 inches
  • 100 percent urethane foam
  • 2-year warranty
  • Made in the USA
  • Easy to clean

Pros

  • Great support
  • Ideal thickness
  • Perfect for back pain

Cons

  • A strong chemical odor that will settle within a few hours
  • Super tight packaging
4.5/5
  • 4 inches of thick, plush gel memory foam add a soft and conforming feel that will result in a deeper sink that cradles your body more than a thinner topper
  • Infused with gel material that captures and distributes heat for a cooler memory foam experience
  • Ventilated design improves airflow and breathability

When this topper is used on the right mattress and bed, it reduces back pain and promotes spine health. It has been designed to offer comfort cushioning and good support.

It is best to use the Lucid topper with a soft bed if you sleep on your side. You will want to have that extra cushioning and “give” that is provided in order to prevent your hips from receiving too much pressure.

Gel infusion helps to keep the memory foam cool, so you can sleep better and stay cooler. The surface has ventilated holes to help with airflow.

The topper will have a chemical odor when it is removed from its package. Just lay it down someplace out of your way for around 48 hours. You can start using your gel-infused mattress topper after that.

Features

  • Firmness level: Medium-Firm
  • Thickness: 2 inches
  • Weight: 2.2 pounds
  • Size: 30.7 x 22.8 x 0.8 inches
  • 3-Year Warranty

Pros

  • Regulated temperature to keep the body cool
  • Nice combination of materials
  • Good ventilation

Cons

  • Not easy to keep clean – only spot clean
  • No cover included

3. BedStory Memory Foam Mattress Topper

  • No products found.

BedStory memory foam is very soft and promotes reduce back pain and restful sleep. The extra half-inch offers side sleepers with some extra cushioning beyond what standard 2-inch toppers can. That extra bit can make a major impact on the user’s comfort level. It is great for stomach sleepers in addition to side sleepers. The gel memory foam mattress topper has been designed to help enhance sleep.

Another factor that plays a major role in comfort is airflow, particularly if you tend to sweat at night. Using modern, highly advanced technology is the way that BedStory is able to achieve the best possible airflow. This results in body heat being distributed evenly across the surface of the topper. With this topper, you are not likely to wake up due to being overheated.

BedStory memory foam mattress topper is an ideal fit for back sleepers wanting softer support and side sleepers searching for extra cushion. Either way, it will help to boost your comfort level.

The mattress topper has been designed using mildew-resistant bamboo and is hypoallergenic to provide an allergy-free and clean sleeping experience.

Features

  • Firmness level: Medium to Firm
  • Thickness: 2.5 inches
  • Weight: 9.1 kgs
  • Size: 38 x74 x2 inches
  • 3-year warranty

Pros

  • Body-conforming & Pressure Relief
  • Better Temperature Regulation
  • Quality materials
  • Highly durable
  • Lavender Infused Memory Foam

Cons

  • Chemical odor when it is unpacked
  • Difficult to return
  • Isn’t easy to clean – only spot clean
4/5
  • Layers of 1.5” memory foam and 2.5” high-density base foam
  • Isolates motion transfer between sleep partners
  • Hand-washable, polyester mesh, zippered cover

Best Price Mattress gets excellent reviews from customers.

The 4-inch memory foam topper offers the right amount of support for alleviating back pain. It arrives packaged carefully and after you open the package it forms quickly. It is a good idea to give it a couple of days after unrolling it to allow the chemical smell to dissipate.

A mesh topper comes with the mattress topper, so you won’t have to get a cover for it. This topper will serve you very well for a number of years as long as you take good care of it. Even over the long term, you shouldn’t experience indentations with the mattress topper since it provides ample support. It is a good topper for individuals who suffer from restless sleep and who have a tendency to move around a great deal since it won’t disturb the sleep of their partner.

The 4-inch mattress topper offers superb ventilation, which keeps the heat down to a minimum. It will allow your body to maintain a temperature level that is more balanced and allow you to get uninterrupted sleep.

Another benefit that this topper offers is dual sides. One of the sides is conventional dense foam and the other one is memory foam. The thicker, dense foam side is going to be the best side to use if you suffer from high or moderate back pain levels. The memory foam is good if you are suffering from minor back pain.

Features

  • Firmness Level: Medium Firm
  • Thickness: 4 inches
  • Weight: 29 pounds
  • Size 80 x 60 x 4 inches
  • CertiPUR-US accredited
  • 5-year warranty

Pros

  • High-quality materials
  • Good spine support
  • Double-sided topper

Cons

  • Standard foam and non-gel memory foam
  • For some people, it might be too thick
3.8/5
  • INSTANT MATTRESS ENHANCEMENT: Easily upgrade your mattress with a luxurious layer of high-quality memory foam. When you experience the gentle contouring and pressure point relief, you’ll sleep…
  • BREATHABLE DESIGN: Cooler sleep means deeper sleep, so we designed this mattress topper for maximum breathability. Our open-cell memory foam allows for the free flow of air throughout the entire sleep…
  • PREMIUM MEMORY FOAM: Our ViscO2 memory foam offers superior durability, holding its shape over time for years of enjoyment. Plus, ViscO2 is odor-neutral, thanks to our unique manufacturing process…

Although it is normal for a majority of foam mattresses to possess a strong chemical odor when they are first unpacked, this memory foam topper from SleepJoy doesn’t have that problem. You can unpack it and then let it inflate for a few hours and it will be ready for you to start using it.

This topper will work the best when you use it with the right mattress that suits your needs. For example, this topper will benefit side sleepers when it is put on a soft bed. For stomach sleepers, the topper will be perfect to use on a firm mattress. Both types of sleepers will be provided with good support and an extra cushioning comfort layer in these two examples.

Another benefit offered by this mattress topper is that it provides good ventilation. Therefore, you won’t retain as much body heat the way you do with many other models of memory foam toppers. That helps you sleep without being interrupted from feeling overheated or discomfort. If your goal is improving your comfort level, this topper makes a great choice to use on a firm bed.

Features

  • Firmness: Soft to medium
  • Thickness: 2 inches
  • Weight: 12.9 pounds
  • Six 78 x 58 x 2 inches
  • 5-year warranty

Pros

  • Low heat retention
  • Good airflow and ventilation
  • Good for back, stomach, and side sleepers
  • Price

Cons

  • No cover is included
  • Isn’t easy to clean – only spot clean
  • Chemical smell

How To Choose The Best Mattress Topper

Choosing the best mattress topper depends on your needs as well as your personal preference. Those needs include what type of sleeper you are, what type of back pain you have, and whether or not you are suffering from back pain.

The first thing that you need to be aware of is that a mattress topper is not a full-sized mattress and has not been designed to be used as one. They have been designed to be used on top of your mattress and provide you with extra comfort and support while you are sleeping.

Toppers are usually thin and lightweight, although they do vary in thickness and weight. They come in compact packaging that is opened. You then need to let the topper inflate before it can be used. Some require you to let them air out for 48 hours prior to using them.

Mattress toppers are recommended by physical therapists, chiropractors, doctors and other types of medical professionals to provide extra hip and spine support in addition to enhancing your sleep. Your goal is to wake up feeling energized and as pain-free as possible.

Not every topper include a cover so it is a good idea to buy a cover that fits and protects your toppers. A majority of toppers can only be spot clean instead of completely cleaned.

When selecting a mattress topper, the following factors should be considered.

Memory Foam or Latex

The most popular type of foam is memory foam since it conforms to your body and then remembers the shape. That helps to improve the chance that you will get the support that you need every night. Your body weight is also evenly distributed. Just be aware of the fact that if a memory foam topper is less than 4-5 pounds per cubic inch it won’t provide the necessary support to alleviate back pain.

Thickness Of Topper

Thicker toppers help to provide the most comfortable levels of sleep, although you have to consider whether the size is big enough or not. The goal is to provide your body with ample support. The most recommended are toppers that are 3 inches thick at least. Although there are some toppers that are thinner than that but still dense enough to offer the proper support, if you have beyond moderate levels of back pain, they probably won’t be sufficient.

Soft vs Firm

A mattress topper that is too soft won’t help our back. It could even make your back pain worse. You want to have a topper that is supportive and comfortable. If the main mattress on your bed is soft and doesn’t provide a lot of support, then you will want to have a mattress topper that is a bit more firm. However, if you have a very firm bed, and you sleep on your side, then it will be beneficial to have a medium thick memory foam topper.

Size

Your topper should naturally fit whatever size your main mattress is in order to be effective. So before you invest in a topper, measure your mattress first. Mattress toppers are available in a wide range of sizes and will fit practically any bed and mattress. It is not hard to find one that will completely cover your mattress.

Heat Retention Issues

To get good, restful sleep you need to have an ideal temperature. There are some mattress toppers and mattresses that have a tendency to increase your body temperature. Therefore, it is a good idea to search for one that features good airflow and ventilation to prevent this issue. The best topper will help to distribute body temperature evenly to keep you comfortable and cool. If your topper does not help with that, you can use a cooling pad over the topper to help prevent overheating while you are sleeping.

Final Thoughts

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) reports that at any given time around 31 million Americans suffer from back pain.

Back pain can be caused by many things, including osteoarthritis, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, injuries, and sprains.

It is always best to get a suitable mattress for your back pain first. However, it can be beneficial to use a mattress topper if your mattress is causing your back to hurt. The ideal support and density are the two major factors to help reduce back pain. The best choice is likely the 3-inch Sleep Better foam topper since it provides the ideal thickness and proper support for people suffering from back pain.

Keep in mind that you are looking for a topper that is comfortable, firm, soft and provides you with the best support for the way you sleep and reduces back pain. The topper from Sleep Better is known for supporting and aligning the spine, which plays a major role in restful sleep and back pain relief.